Day 28
Sumo is a competitive full-contact sport where a wrestler (rikishi) attempts to force another wrestler out of a circular ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of the feet. The sport originated in Japan, the only country where it is practiced professionally. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion. Life as a rikishi is highly regimented, with rules laid down by the Sumo Association. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables" known in Japanese as heya where all aspects of their daily lives—from meals to their manner of dress—are dictated by strict tradition.
During recent years, participation in additional sporting events has been encouraged by the Sumo Association, allowing rikishi to enjoy additional individual and team events. Because of the average size of a single wrestler, basketball and baseball are often ignored; football is an option, though chance for injury is greater. Surprisingly spry and agile, most rikishi participate in track and field events including shot-put, hammer throw, long jump, high jump and track events.
No comments:
Post a Comment